The winter weather sure keeps us on our feet. One day its snow the next it freezing rain, but whatever the winter might throw at us you have to keep your vehicle regularly service to withstand any weather that we might get hit with. Many people will go get oil changes, change their tires, make sure their heaters are working, all which is very important for your vehicle to run properly. However, many drivers overlook one important aspect of your vehicle, and that is visibility. I think we can all agree that our ability to see the road is very important and that’s why our vehicles were made with windshield wipers. Your wipers are just like everything else, they have a lifespan and need to be replaced after a certain period of time. However, many drivers won’t change their wipers for years…this impairs your driving and can cause accidents.

This week, I want to go over the importance of windshield wipers and inform you on when is the best time to change your wipers and how you know it’s time. I also want to help give you some tips on how to prolong your wipers so you’re not buying them serval time through the year. If you need new wipers for your Chevy, check out our parts page and schedule a service appointment so we can replace them for you. If you have any other question feel free to give us a call and we will do our best to answer your questions!

Wipers 101

It’s time to change your wipers if….

• Streaking occurs when the rubber squeegee dries, hardens, and cracks
• Skipping occurs when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use
• Wearing occurs with extensive use and is when the rubber edges are rounded instead of squared
• Splitting is caused when the sun’s rays penetrate the rubber squeegee, causing it to break down
• Bent frames are caused by inconsistent contact with the glass surface, creating streaking or skipping

If you’re running outside to go inspect your vehicle to see if it’s time to change your wipers be sure to look for the following!

• Broken frames
• Metal corrosion
• Visible cracks
• Rounded squeegee edges
• Loose or unsecured wiper blades
• Check that the squeegee is secure in the wiper frame

Visibility is extremely important to safe driving. Although drivers depend on their wiper blades to clear rain, sleet, snow, etc., many wait too long to replace them. Do yourself a favor and be sure to maintain wiper blades regularly which can maximize your visibility, efficiency, and reliability! If you want some tips on how to maintain the life of your wiper blades check them out below!

• When you get gas, be sure to clean your windows too
• Clean your squeegee often
• Never use your wipers to de-ice your window
• Pull your blades up during snow/ice storms